Axel Metz

Axel Metz

Phones Editor

Axel is TechRadar's Phones Editor, reporting on everything from the latest Apple developments to newest AI breakthroughs as part of the site's Mobile Computing vertical. Working out of the brand’s London office, he is a versatile, NCTJ-accredited journalist with a keen interest in the applications of technology beyond the desktop, and has bylines in various publications including Total Film, ShortList, Esquire, and FourFourTwo.

After graduating from the University of Warwick with a degree in English Literature, Axel spent time as a freelance writer before joining TechRadar as part of its inaugural digital training scheme. His role sees him keeping a close eye on the latest trends in the worlds of mobile technology and digital culture, and his coverage extends from news reporting and analysis to in-depth interviews and opinion.

Away from the keyboard, Axel can be found working his way through a lengthy watchlist of films and counting down the days until Chelsea's next managerial change. Want to get in touch? You can contact Axel over email (linked above) or through Twitter.

Articles by: Axel Metz

Siri Suggestions on an iPhone 16 Pro Max

This underrated Siri feature proves Apple can do AI – but the iPhone’s voice assistant still needs a drastic makeover in 2026

By Axel Metz published

After noticing the subtle improvements made to Siri Suggestions, I'm convinced that Apple can bring meaningful AI upgrades to the iPhone in 2026.

The AirPods Pro 2 earbuds next to their case

How to use AirPods as a video mic in iOS 26

By Axel Metz published

In iOS 26, your AirPods can double as a video microphone. Here’s how to enable the feature.

Jerry Bruckheimer alongside the poster for Black Hawk Down

Exclusive: Jerry Bruckheimer reacts to Quentin Tarantino naming Black Hawk Down the best movie of the 21st century

By Axel Metz published

We spoke with producer Jerry Bruckheimer about Quentin Tarantino naming Black Hawk Down the best movie of the 21st century.

Tim Cook image next to Brad Pitt image

‘They gave us the iPhone camera’: F1 producer Jerry Bruckheimer on Apple’s ‘phenomenal’ involvement in the movie’s production

By Axel Metz published

We spoke with F1 producer Jerry Bruckheimer ahead of the film's streaming release on Apple TV.

Samsung Galaxy S25 series

5 rumored Samsung Galaxy S26 upgrades – from chipset surprises to magnetic charging

By Axel Metz published

The Samsung Galaxy S26 line is expected to debut in early 2026 – here are the biggest rumored upgrades we've heard so far.

The OnePlus 15R and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipest

‘Qualcomm knows it has to fight back’: OnePlus exec explains why Apple is (partially) responsible for the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset

By Axel Metz published

OnePlus exec Rudolf Xu explains why Qualcomm decided to develop the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, and why OnePlus has decided to use it in the OnePlus 15R.

3 Comments
The OnePlus 15 being held up next to the iPhone 17 Pro

I compared the OnePlus 15 and iPhone 17 Pro cameras on vacation – and I honestly can't decide which I prefer

By Axel Metz published

I took the OnePlus 15 and iPhone 17 Pro to Prague for a two-way camera showdown – here are the pictures.

The back of the OnePlus 15

The OnePlus 15 has gone global with a massive 7,300mAh battery – but there's a catch for US buyers

By James Rogerson published

The OnePlus 15 is now available globally, with high-end specs like a 7,300mAh battery, a 165Hz screen, and a trio of 50MP cameras.

The OnePlus 15 on an orange background

‘Magnets are too heavy’: OnePlus exec explains why the OnePlus 15 doesn’t have Pixel-style magnetic charging

By Axel Metz published

At a roundtable interview attended by TechRadar, OnePlus exec Rudolf Xu explained the thought process behind the OnePlus 15's charging system.

8 Comments
Stills from Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare side-by-side

I can’t stop using this iconic Call of Duty weapon in Battlefield 6

By Axel Metz published

Forget the M4A1 – my favorite gun in Battlefield 6, the PW5A3, is a doozy at all ranges.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max REVIEW

I've spent a month with the iPhone 17 Pro, and it's confirmed my suspicions about Apple's new iPhone lineup

By Axel Metz published

I've spent a month with the iPhone 17 Pro, and it's made me realize that I'm no longer 'pro' enough for Apple's best iPhones.

The Fairphone 6 being held in the hand

Fairphone is finally coming to the US – but there's good news and bad news for right-to-repair fans

By Axel Metz published

Fairphone is finally expanding into the US market, but I think it'll be some time before we see a Fairphone smartphone released there.

Screenshot of the Apple Maps app in iPhone storage

A nasty Apple Maps bug is eating up a ridiculous amount of storage on some iPhones – here's how to get rid of it

By Axel Metz published

Is Maps taking up a ridiculous amount of storage on your iPhone? You're not alone – and there is a (frustrating) solution.

2 Comments
The Motorola Edge 70 in Bronze Green

Motorola’s iPhone Air rival brings a bigger battery, faster charging, and a much better price to the ultra-thin table

By Axel Metz published

Motorola has released its super-slim Edge 70 smartphone, and I can't believe how affordable it is.

The Other Phone on an orange background

This modified CMF Phone 2 Pro wants to save your child from doomscrolling and TikTok addiction – here’s how

By Axel Metz published

Nothing has partnered with online parent community Mumsnet on the Other Phone – a safety-first, modified version of the CMF Phone 2 Pro.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Need help buying the best phone for you? Here’s what the TechRadar experts use, and how to score a good deal

By Roland Moore-Colyer published

With the Black Friday deals already here, now's a great time to snap up a brilliant phone that has the TechRadar seal of approval.

Four iPhone 17 Pro Max phones on an orange and pink background

There’s still a two-week wait for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, so don’t expect to see it discounted for Black Friday

By Axel Metz published

Apple's ongoing iPhone 17 Pro Max delivery delays suggest the company's best iPhone won't be going on sale for Black Friday.

The OnePlus 15 series on a yellow background

Exclusive: OnePlus 15 global launch date, new colors, and camera features revealed

By Axel Metz published

TechRadar spoke with Celina Shi, CMO of OnePlus Europe, to discuss the company’s upcoming OnePlus 15 flagship.

The Fairphone (Gen 6)

‘Of course we’re looking into other markets’: Fairphone CEO on expansion plans and the unique challenges of the US market

By Axel Metz published

We spoke with Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck to discuss the possibility of Fairphone's expansion into other markets.

The Fairphone 6 being held in the hand

Fairphone CEO says it’s a ‘myth’ that sustainable tech has to cost more and be of lower quality: ‘Neither is needed’

By Axel Metz published

We spoke with Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck to discuss the new Fairphone 6 and the ‘myth’ behind the cost of sustainability.

3 Comments
Cover image for EA Sports FC 26

I spent a week playing EA Sports FC 26, and I’m baffled that EA has found new ways to make me care

By Axel Metz published

Recommended

Review EA Sports FC 26 brings meaningful updates to all of EA’s tried-and-tested modes – read our full review.

Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26

Not vibing with Liquid Glass in iOS 26? Here’s how to make it easier on the eyes

By Axel Metz published

The Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26 is a big change from what's come before – here's how to reduce its intensity.

2 Comments
Screen from iOS 26 on an iPhone 17, on a blue background

iOS 26 not downloading? Try these workarounds to get you up and running

By Axel Metz published

We explain how to download iOS 26 on your iPhone, and list some troubleshooting tips for if the update doesn't install.

An iPhone displaying iOS 26 and an iPad displaying iPadOS 26

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 compatibility explained – which models are supported?

By Axel Metz published

Updated We detail the device requirements for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, as well as the model-exclusive features within each software package.

iPhone 17 First Look

The standard iPhone 17 might just be the best-value iPhone ever – here's why

By Axel Metz published

Apple's new base model might not seem immediately interesting, but it brings upgrades in all the right areas.

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